Michigan

Oakland County Sheriff Michael Bouchard said Monday his department will be the first in Michigan and one of the first in the nation to equip officers with FirstNet, a communications tool that can save lives. Bouchard said the telecommunications program will allow first responders, such as police and firefighters, to be able to access phone service that potentially can be compromised due to too many phone users utilizing devices at the same time —such as at a major event.

More than a third of the country has moved to modernize communications for the fire, police, emergency medical services (EMS) and other public safety personnel who bravely protect and serve their communities.

Twenty states and territories have announced their decision to opt-in to the FirstNet network – America’s only communications platform purpose-built for public safety:

Nebraska has accepted the nationwide public-safety broadband network (NPSBN) deployment plan offered by FirstNet and AT&T on behalf of his state, making it the 18th U.S. state—not including two territories—to “opt-in” to the FirstNet system. With 20 of the 56 U.S. states and territories having made “opt-in” decisions, FirstNet has received “opt-in” notification from 35.7% of all governors.

On behalf of Governor Rick Snyder, Lt. Gov. Brian Calley is transforming communications and driving innovation for Michigan’s first responders by “opting in” to FirstNet. With his decision, FirstNet and AT&T* will deliver a specialized wireless broadband network to Michigan’s public safety community. This will make Michigan the 10th state or territory in the country to bring first responders advanced technologies that will help them save lives and protect communities.